CITY OF FAIRFIELD
FAIRFIELD CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024; 6:00 PM
HARRY T. PRICE MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBER, 1000
WEBSTER STREET, FAIRFIELD, CA 94533 OR VIA ZOOM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Pam Bertani called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
On roll call were Councilmembers Doug Carr, Doriss Panduro, Scott Tonnesen, Rick Vaccaro, K. Patrice Williams, and Vice Mayor Bertani. Mayor Catherine “Cat” Moy was absent.
INVOCATION
Chaplain Colonel Heather Bodwell of Travis Air Force Base gave an invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Vaccaro led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Williams reported that she attended the Water Education Foundation T our in Sacramento October 16-18. The tour explored the Sacramento River and its tributaries while learning about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply (flood districts, infrastructure, fish hatcheries , etc.) She thanked Public Works Assistant Director (Utilities) Michael Hether for his expertise and assistance during the tour.
Councilmember Tonnesen reported that he, Councilmembers Carr, Panduro, and Williams attended the Habitat for Humanity dedication cere mony of three new homeowners on November 16. The homeowners helped build their own homes, each family contributing 500 hours of sweat equity during the construction phase. He said the families were very deserving of these homes.
Councilmember Vaccaro thanked all the City staff who coordinated the Veterans Day Parade. He said it was a great event, as always, and is his last as a councilmember.
Councilmember Panduro reported that she and Councilmember Tonnesen took a n amazing tour of Amcor Rigid Plastics recycling plant in October, a business in Fairfield’s Industrial Park. She also attended the Solano Hispanic Chamber Gala, “A Night to Remember ,” on November 8 at the Suisun Veterans Memorial Building , where four deserving stu dents were awarded $1,000 scholarships and local businesses were recognized for excellence.
Councilmember Carr attended the quarterly Homeless Roundtable held at the Fairfield Community Center on November 13. These meetings are open to the public, and the next one is February 12, 2025.
For information, contact Homeless Services Manager Samantha Burrows at [email protected].
Vice Mayor Bertani reported she attended the Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony and Concert at the Downtown Theatre and that it was well attended. Next, she thanked all volunteers and churches that participated in the Clergy Action Network’s Thanksgiving meal that served over 250 people earlier at the Community Center. She said her heart was full of gratitude!
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager David Gassaway recommended that council hear Item 17 before Item 16 this evening , from a procedural standpoint. He asked that the community come out and celebrate the Holiday Tree Lighting on December 6 and the Menorah Lighting on December 26 in downtown Fairfield. He shared that the Fairfield Community Services Foundation’s Kids Toys and Coats Drive was in full operation and that there were donation bins at all City facilities and around town . Next, he reported there were sandbag stations at the City’s Corporation Yard set up for the incoming atmospheric river rainstorm.
Lastly, he introduced and welcomed the new Public Works Director, Sanjay Mishra.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney David Lim reported that on Items 18 and 19, public hearing appeals on land use for 18) City Church, and 19) Super 8 Motel, he would step off the dais--as by law he cannot advise both City staff and City Council on those matters. He stated he would provide legal counsel to City staff and private Attorney Joanne Tran would move to the dais to advise Council.
CITY CLERK REPORT
City Clerk Karen Rees reported that there were several seats open on various City committees:
Landscape Oversight Committee, Golf Advisory Board, Rockville Hills Regional Park Citizen Advisory Committee, and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Veterans Day Parade Awards Presented by Parks & Recreation Coordinator Juan Segura and Program Specialist Sandra Reyes.
2. Poem and Proclamation Declaring Native Americans Day presented by Poet Laureate Suzanne Bruce and Vice Mayor Bertani to Alejandro Cabrera, Government Affairs Manager of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
3. Proclamation Declaring Small Business Saturday Presented by Councilmember K. Patrice Williams to President and CEO Tim Murrill of Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center.
4. Solano Economic Development Corporation overview by President and CEO Chris Rico.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jeff Trager spoke about upcoming events at the Downtown Theatre.
Tony Mras spoke about Solano tennis.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Approval of Meeting Minutes for October 2024
6. Resolution 2024260 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Canceling January 7 and October 7, 2025, City Council Meetings
7. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 202409 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Amending and Restating Ordinance No. 202305 and Levying Special Taxes within the City of Fairfield Community Facilities District No. 20231 (One Lake Planning Area 5)
8. Resolution 2024261 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Accepting the Landscape Improvements for the Villages at Fairfield – Village II – Lot 3 Subdivision as Complete
9. Resolution 2024262 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Accepting the Improvements for the Villages at Fairfield – Village II – Lot 3 Master Infrastructure as Complete
10. Resolution 2024263 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Accepting the Landscape Improvements for the Villages at Fairfield – Village II – Lot 4 Subdivision as Complete
11. Resolution 2024264 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Existing Contractor Service Agreement with True North Landscapes, LLC for Landscape Maintenance Services in the Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 10 Southbrook and Authorizing an Update to the Fiscal Year 20242025 Budget for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 10 Southbrook
12. Resolution 2024265 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Approving the Plans and Specifications and Awarding a Contract to C. Overaa & Co. for the Waterman Water Treatment Plant High Lift Pump and Power Upgrade Project; and
Resolution 2024266 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement for Coastland Civil Engineering, LLP to Provide Engineering Services During Construction for the Waterman Water Treatment Plant High Lift Pump and Power Upgrade Project
13. Resolution 2024267 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with West Yost Associates to U pdate the City’s Water System Risk and Resiliency Assessment and Water System Emergency Response Plan
14. Resolution 2024268 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Fairfield and the Travis Unified School District Authorizing Fairfield to Provide a Contract Service for an AfterSchool Program at Center Elementary
Councilmember Vaccaro m ade a motion to approve the consent calendar. Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
NEW BUSINESS
15. Measure P Oversight Committee Annual Report Presented by Committee Chair Steve Vancil
Council received the report and thanked Chair Vancil and committee members for their oversight. Visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/measurep to access the full report and brochure. No action taken on this item.
Per City Manager Gassaway, Item 17 will be heard before Item 16.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
17. Principal Planner Meily Sheehan recommended to Council that it open the Public Hearing and; approve Resolution 2024269 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Approving an Amendment Request to the Train Station Specific Plan (SP2022001).
Vice Mayor Bertani opened the public hearing. David Stroud spoke on Item 17. Vice Mayor Bertani closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Carr made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-269. Councilmember Panduro seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
16. Principal Planner Meily Sheehan recommended to Council that it open the Public Hearing and; approve First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 202410 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Approving the Sixth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Development Agreement Between the City of Fairfield and Canon Partners LLC Regarding Land in the Train Station Specific Plan Area.
Vice Mayor Bertani opened the public hearing. David Stroud spoke on Item 16. Vice Mayor Bertani closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Vaccaro made a motion to waive the full reading, read by title only, and introduce Ordinance 2024-10 for first reading. Councilmember Tonnesen seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
18. Principal Planner Meily Sheehan recommended to Council that it open the Public Hearing and; approve Resolution 2024270 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield Partially Overturning the Planning Commission’s Decision, and Approving a Conditional Use Permit (UP2024005) to Operate a ‘School, Social and Personal Development’ and a Conditional Use Permit (UP2024006) to Operate a ‘Office, Medical’ at 743 East Tabor Avenue (0037020460), with Conditions to Resolve Outstanding Administrative Citations Prior to Operation.
Private attorney Joanne Tran staffed the City Council on this matter.
Vice Mayor Bertani opened the public hearing. City Staffmember Ms. Sheehan made a presentation along with City Attorney David Lim on behalf of City Staff. Attorney for City Church Matt McReynolds makde a presentation on behalf of City Chruc. The following individuals also spoke on Item 18: City Church Pastor Scott Mulvey (appellant), Rochelle Conner, Denise Johnson, John Takeuchi, Jason Victor, Jamie Rodriguez, Verne, Tonya Van Houk, Bob Thomas, Deb Trefethen, Henry Costa, Tim Deming, Peter Horn, Richard West, Nora Dizon, Geneva Miller, Lorenzo Perez, Lucia Morales, Dr. Jerry Cline, Valerie Santos, Elizabeth Butler, Carlton L., Joe Joyce (online).
After a lengthy discussion and comments from Councilmembers, including additional questions and testimony from both parties, various motions and counter-motions were made by Councilmembers, none of which were adopted.
Ultimately, Councilmember Tonnesen made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-270, partially overturning the Planning Commission’s decision and approving the Use Permits with the conditions to requir e all administrative citations be resolved prior to operation restored and allow staff to negotiate with City Church as to the terms and timeline. Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1 with Vice Mayor Bertani voting no.
Vice Mayor Bertani called for a 10-minute recess.
After a break, Vice Mayor Bertani called the meeting back to order.
19. Director of Finance John Furtado recommended to Council that it open the Public Hearing and; vote on Resolution 2024271 of the City Council of the City of Fairfield [Appr oving/Sustaining] [Denying/Overruling] the Appeal of the City of Fairfield Administrative Hearing Determination Regarding Interest on Delinquent Transient Occupancy and Tourism Tax Assessment/ Quality Inn Previously Known as Super 8 Motel Located at 2170 North Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533 3204 Owners: Shri Guru Hari, LLC, Shri Mahant, LLC, and Marie Parunjanwala.
Private attorney Joanne Tran staffed the City Council on this matter.
Vice Mayor Bertani opened the public hearing. Sunny Khatri and Neville Parujanwala spoke on Item 19.
Vice Mayor Bertani closed the public hearing. City Council asked additional questions to both Mr. Khatri, Mr. Parujanwala, and Mr. Furtado.
Councilmember Tonnesen made a motion to approve Resolution 2024 -271 Denying / Overruling the Appeal and uphold ing staff’s recommendation. Councilmember Vaccaro seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0-1 with Councilmember Williams abstaining.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 10:17 P.M. TO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 6:00 P.M., HARRY T. PRICE MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBER.
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City Clerk
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Vice Mayor